Simply put, video camera surveillance is the supervision of behavior, activities, or other changing information, with the intention of managing, directing, or protecting. Video camera surveillance allows individuals to watch from a distance by means of electronic equipment such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. These cameras are often connected to a recording device or IP network, and can be observed remotely
Below are a few types of video camera surveillance systems and the features that accompany them.
Analog surveillance
Analog video surveillance equipment records straight to a video tape recorder — which records analog signals as pictures. The tape must run at a very slow speed in order to operate on a continuous basis. The reason for this is that most tapes have 3-hours of space but have to be run for 24-hours thus the frames are turned down to approximately 4 frames per second. Seconds are everything in the world of video surveillance. Within one second a person can walk between 3 and 5 feet thus the distance is divided into four parts or frames. Analog surveillance can be, at most times, very blurry and difficult to assess.
Analog signals, however, can be transformed into a digital signal to allow the recording to be stored on a computer as a digital recording. For this conversion, the camera must be plugged directly into a video capture card in the computer. Digital video recorders (DVR) offer an additional solution for those wanting to convert analog signals without using a computer. DVRs function similarly to a computer with a capture card and video recording software. Most DVRs designed for surveillance purposes are embedded devices that require less maintenance and easy to setup.
Digital surveillance
Digital cameras do not require a video capture card because their signal can saved directly to a computer. Uncompressed digital recordings take up large amounts of space thus digital signals are compressed 5:1 and DVD quality can be achieved with further compression. Most standard recordings are fairly poor in quality because most of the image chips within the devices record at 320p. Luckily, technological advancements have made high-definition (HD) cameras much more affordable.
Unlike the analog surveillance equipment, digital surveillance equipment records at 30 framers per second. Digital recording are much clearer and are visually smoother than analog equipment.
Network video recorders
IP cameras or network video recorders can be either analog or digital video cameras, with the addition of an embedded video server with an IP address, capable of streaming video. Network video recorders are used for very cheap surveillance solutions or even replace entire CCTV installations. Network cameras can have resolutions higher than CCTV analog cameras. Potential advantages of IP cameras or network cameras include:
Ability for two-way audio
Flexibility: IP cameras can be moved anywhere on an IP network (including wireless)
Encryption and authentication
Remote accessibility
Network video cameras can function on a wireless network
Indoor and outdoor cameras
CCTV cameras
While indoor and outdoor cameras are very similar in size, shape, and color; some of the differentiating elements between the two types of cameras include:
Lighting conditions
Lens quality and selection
Video quality
Weather durability
Mounting capabilities
Power sources
Lighting conditions
For more information on the types of cameras and what types might be best to protect your home or business. Contact our offices in Joplin, MO. We cater to a wide variety of security needs and can devise a solution that is customized for you.